FOXBOROUGH -- If the Patriots weren?t the team to be receiving Super Bowl rings, cornerback Chad Scott is glad it was the Steelers.

?I was rooting for them [in the Super Bowl],? Scott said during a break in the Patriots? offseason program at Gillette Stadium. ?I have a lot of friends on that team.?

The 31-year-old Scott, entering his second season with the Patriots, spent the first eight years of his career with the Steelers. He was particularly happy for running back Jerome Bettis, ?a guy who has laid it on the line for a long time.?

The Steelers received their Super Bowl rings over the weekend, following a visit to the White House. Meanwhile, back at Gillette Stadium, Scott continues to prepare himself for the 2006 season, his 10th in the NFL. He played in three games with New England last year before being placed on injured reserve. In March, he was re-signed to a two-year deal ($200,000 signing bonus).

?I feel good, right now I?m doing really well,? he said. ?My body feels great and I?m just looking forward to the opportunity to compete.?

The competition at cornerback includes 10 players, and Scott would appear to be on the bubble: